Re: [Paddlewise] The naming of boats

    For the same rationale that farm animals are seldom named (excepting of
course, black humor in naming a pig  'pok chop',  or a pair of rabbits 'hoss' &
'pheffier'), I do not name my boats (I have on occasion, depending on the
conditions in which I find myself, or have placed myself, speaking VOLUMES to
the inanimate, much of which is unprintable on a 'family orientated list').
Build 'em and use 'em up, says I.
    I have read that the Aleuts had a rich tradition of not only speaking to
their biadarkas, but the baidarkas had a penchant for answering back again.  I
don't know if they named them.
    Notably, one Aleut legend about a hunter who transgressed baidarka protocol
by neglecting to rub down the gunwales  of his boat after having relations with
his wife, to transfer some of her warmth to his baidarka (undoubtedly heat is a
major perk in northern climes), and the sneaky little critter waits for his
owner to be separated from the hunting pack and in pea soup fog, and *then*
speaks up with his complaint of the transgression.   Yeah, you heard me
right........the baidarka pipes up and says something to the effect of,
"because you did not impart to me some of the warmth of your wife last time, I
shall not carry you to safely to shore."
        Damnit, I HATE it when my kayak gives me lip.......don't you?

    However, you can bet that after a hot date with Miss Ellie,  you can find
me out in the garage in my bathrobe and bunny slippers.........just a-rubbin'
down those gunwales.......like a man possessed.
                                                                Chris



John Fereira wrote:

> >
> > Hmm, the roto molded double is affectionately called the HMS rubbermaid.
> >
> My friend has a fleet of rental boats.  The only one that has a name
> is the Necky Amaruk double.  He calls it the Mother Ship.
>
> > On a related thread, for a new boat, is there any special ceremony
> > for first launch?
> > I'm just finishing up a pygmy stitch and glue kayak, and hoping to
> > finish outfitting and do a test launch this weekend.
> >
> > For larger boats, I understand smashing a bottle of Dom Perigon
> > on the bow is in order, but due to back orders for y2k parties,
> > I don't see any in the store, and not sure I'd want to see
> > if the bottle or the bow is stronger anyway.
> >
> > Maybe sprinkle some sparkling wine and say a few words
> > "f*cking A, lets see if floats and stays upright".
> > Or is Single malt more in order?
>
> Probably wouldn't hurt.
>
> --
> John Fereira
> jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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